LOUISIANA: McCain

Published: November 6, 2008

Louisiana had backed the winner in every presidential election since 1972, but that string ended this year, with Senator John McCain carrying the state.

Senator Mary L. Landrieu, the only Democratic senator who faced serious opposition this year, won a third term by defeating John Kennedy, a Republican who is the state treasurer.

Ms. Landrieu, a member of a prominent political family, firmed up her support by securing billions of dollars to help Louisiana recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Mr. Kennedy, who switched parties last year, criticized Ms. Landrieu as one of the most liberal senators in state history. She called him a ''confused politician,'' noting that in 2004 he endorsed the Democratic presidential candidate, John Kerry.

Representative William J. Jefferson won a Democratic primary runoff in the Second District, based in New Orleans, even though he has been indicted on bribery and racketeering charges. Mr. Jefferson, the state's first black congressman since Reconstruction, defeated Helena Moreno, a former television reporter. He is heavily favored to win a general election on Dec. 6.

Representative Don Cazayoux was one of only a handful of House Democrats nationwide who lost their seats. He was defeated by State Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican who is also a doctor.

In the First District, connecting parts of New Orleans and its suburbs, Representative Steve Scalise, a Republican, held on to the seat he won in May in a special election. The Democrat, Jim Harlan, a businessman, spent more than $1 million of his own money.